Graves Act

Yesterday was a big day for Carlo Bellario. He’s a New Jersey actor/comedian who’s facing the possibility of a ten-year prison sentence for running afoul of Jersey’s gun laws. Of course, the charges involve a toy. Specifically, an airsoft gun that can be bought in just about any sporting goods store in Jersey. The law that has gotten Carlo in trouble is the Graves Act. It goes back to 1981 and was intended to set mandatory minimum sentences for crimes committed with a firearm. Later, the law was amended to include gang activity and today the interpretation from prosecutors includes the act of simple possession.